The inaugural Working Communities International Congress was held in Cairns, Australia in August 2008. As the first truly untied meeting of its kind held in Australasia, the congress brought together leading experts and delegates from North America, Britain, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Africa.

Key speakers included:

• US green jobs campaigner, Major Carter
• Crystal Kosa from Canada's Aboriginal Human Resource Council
• Dutch welfare to work expert, Associate Prof. Els Sol
• Rob Ivry from the American social policy research organisation, MDRC
• David Bussau, co-founder of Opportunity International, and
• Lesley Ann Van Selm, Managing Director of the Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative in South Africa.

To view more information and images on the 2008 Congress, visit the Working Communities International Congress Facebook page.

Media

ABC News
Cairns hosts international unemployment forum

ABC Far North QLD
Canadian Aboriginal shares her thoughts on closing the gap in Australia

Testimonials

What aspect of the 2008 Working Communities International Congress was of greatest value to you?

"Everything – the speeches, workshops, mix of ‘big picture’ and practice, networking, warmth and camaraderie of delegates. The cross fertilisation of ideas and projects, the interpersonal relationships I made. This is one of the best conferences in my professional career."
Robert Ivry, MDRC

"The vision for this conference was wonderful. Back to the place we all started – looking, caring and being part of our communities. The greatest value would be to say that the way forward has light once again."
Roxanne Price, CVGT

"I really enjoyed the international perspectives and the opportunity for engagement with the industry. It was one of the most enjoyable conferences I've attended."
Michael Manthorpe, DEEWR

"The networking and chance to speak to the presenters on a more personal level… It was excellent and refreshing to attend a conference that allowed this personal interaction."
Nola Grant, Kangan Batman TAFE

"One of the better conferences (if not the best) I have attended. Lots of takeaways."
Chris Sheppeard, Joblink Plus

"Inspiration and clarity provided by the presenters and networking."
Katrina Spies, QiTE

"Greater sense of importance of country and partnerships."
Stephen Wales, ITEC Employment

"Gaining a sense of Australian practices in comparison to international practices and I feel that we really do stack up."
Anonymous